The PSA met with the Chief Executive SIRA on Wednesday 25 September 2019 to be briefed on the proposed operating model that had been released to staff that day and the beginning of a four (4) week consultation period with both staff and the PSA closing on 22 October 2019.
Some key points that the PSA noted from the briefing session were that the model is not about cost cutting as SIRA is self-funding so we are not expecting any job losses and that the current proposal is at a high level, although it will impact on reporting lines. Members are reminded that if required you can access the Employee Assistance Program.
The PSA notes that it does not include Dispute Resolution Services (DRS) at this time but understands that this is dependent upon further government decisions around the Personal Injury Commission. The PSA acknowledges that the Chief Executive has been regularly attending the DRS divisional meetings providing staff with an opportunity to ask questions as to what is happening in this area.
We are also aware that there have been a number of positions that have been filled on a temporary basis and the PSA would like to remind those members who have been acting in Higher Duties for a cumulative period of 12 months-or more, even if for broken periods that you should check with HR to see if you are due an increment.
There is a draft implementation plan but the Chief Executive was clear that this will be dependent upon feedback as to its timeframes.
The PSA encourages members to engage with the consultation process, while it is more direct to provide feedback direct to SIRA the PSA also understands that some members prefer to do this through their union.
If you want to provide feedback on the SIRA Function Realignment and Proposed Operating Model to the PSA, please send by email through to by Friday 18 October 2019.